HARRISBURG, PA.—Hersha Hotels and Resorts (Hersha Hospitality Trust) has released its 2019 Hersha EarthView Sustainability Report. The 35-page report summarizes Hersha’s 2019 impact and the strides it has made in its environmental, social, and governance efforts towards a more sustainable, connected, and inclusive world.
For those of you not familiar with Hersha, a Real Estate Investment Trust, the company owns and operates 48 upscale, luxury and lifestyle hotels in urban gateway markets and coastal destinations. Hersha’s EarthView program has existed since 2010. According to Hersha, $100 million in portfolio value has been attributed to EarthView as of 2019. EarthView has resulted in $14 million in savings since its inception.
Last year Hersha announced targets for reducing its environmental impact by 2030 (using a 2010 baseline). Hersha has joined the Science-Based Targets initiative to align its emissions reduction target with “science-based target” requirements. By 2030 its aim is to reduce emissions reduction per square foot by 45 percent, energy reduction by 15 percent per square foot, water reduction by 5 percent per square foot, and increase its waste diversion rate from 30 percent in 2019 to 50 percent in 2030.
Almost 20,000 Hours Volunteered
Hersha employees have volunteered 19,779 hours since 2015, raised almost $600,000 for autism awareness, and provided more than 25,000 people with access to clean water since 2014. A total of 561,000 new bars of sanitized and repackaged soap has been sent to developing nations since 2011.
Some current and future initiatives that will help Hersha achieve its 2030 goal include: LED lighting, guestroom energy management systems, high efficiency water fixtures, laundry water reuse systems, non-plastic straws and stirrers, on-site renewables, and non-emitting transportation.
To download the report and to learn more about Hersha and its many initiatives for the environment, employees, and communities, click here.
Glenn Hasek can be reached at greenlodgingnews@gmail.com.
